Latest news with #Leroux
CBC
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Beaverbrook Art Gallery launches 'jaw-dropping' exhibit of N.B. artists
About two months ago, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton began showing works by New Brunswick artists in the Harrison McCain Pavilion just as you enter the lobby area. They called it the "Made in New Brunswick" campaign and regularly switched out the works to showcase the province's roster of great artists, mostly since the Second World War. The initial display of works coincided with the onset of the tariff battle and the ensuing burst of patriotism nationwide. "We received a great response," said John Leroux, the Beaverbrook's manager of collections and exhibitions. "That was really as soon as the tariffs came down and [people were embracing] everything Canadian and New Brunswick." Leroux said they realized they were onto something and decided to put together an official exhibit, which opens this weekend, of works from their permanent collection, some of which have never been displayed before. He said the pride is genuine and justifiable in a province that's always "punched above its weight," winning four Governor General's Awards in the visual arts in the last 20 years alone. "It's a special place when it comes to [visual art]," said Leroux. "Even for me who knows our collections so well, to revisit these works and put them together in a new way has been revelatory." There are works by well-known artists like Thaddeus Holownia, Kathy Hooper, Molly Lamb Boback, Miller Brittain and Fred Ross. Leroux mentions, in particular, a large drawing by Ross, a Saint John artist who died in 2014. It's a portrait of his wife Sheila, who was a dancer. The work was "probably his most prized possession," said Leroux, and it's never been shown in a gallery before. "It could be right out of the Renaissance, [there] is a beautiful sort of glowing light coming from her face as she's lounging in this lovely 19th century city and Saint John house." It was given to the Beaverbrook by his daughter Cathy Ross, who is also an artist. She has a watercolour on display right next to the portrait of her mother. As part of the exhibit, there are also lesser-known works like 10 hand-blown glass pieces from the 1970s by Martin Demaine, who came here from the U.S. and set up the first "flame-powered, hand-blown" glass studio in Canada in Mactaquac. He's now in his 80s and an instructor in the glass lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. "They're stunning," Leroux said. "They've never been shown." The exhibit will continue at the Beaverbrook until July 6. "It's a pretty broad show," said Leroux. "I don't think anyone will leave this exhibition feeling short-changed. In fact, I think they'll come with their jaw-dropping, saying this is outstanding and fills you with pride."
Forbes
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Insiders Guide To The Most Iconic Neighborhood In Paris
A view of Paris stretching to the Champs Elysees, the Golden Triangle in the distance and the Eiffel Tower. getty Paris is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct vibe. But if there's one area that best captures the city's mix of luxury, culture and history, it's the Golden Triangle. Framed by three grand avenues—Montaigne, Champs-Élysées and George V—the Golden Triangle is where haute couture was born, where artists and bon vivants once held court and where travelers still come to get a taste of classic Paris. Some of the world's most famous landmarks are right nearby, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. The neighborhood is also home to a handful of places that have shaped its identity: the Hôtel Plaza Athénée (a storied hotel that helped launch the golden age of Parisian fashion), the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (one of the city's most historic performing arts venues) and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris (a museum dedicated to the legendary couturier). To get an insider's look at what makes the Golden Triangle tick, I tapped into three experts who know it best: the trailblazing head concierge at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, the longtime director of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and the visionary director of the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris. They share why this pretty pocket of Paris is worth visiting—and reveal their favorite tips and secret spots. The exterior of the Hotel Plaza Athénée. Masahiko TAKEDA Set on Avenue Montaigne, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is steeped in history. Over the years, it has attracted everyone from Grace Kelly to Emily in Paris. Christian Dior loved it so much he opened his first atelier next door in 1946 and used to show his collections in the hotel. Today, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is home to the world's first Dior Spa. 'There's something very special about this hotel—it's indescribable,' head concierge Marine Leroux told me in an interview. Leroux started working at the Plaza Athénée as an intern, followed by stints at other luxury properties in Monaco and the south of France. In 2021, she was named head concierge, leading a team of more than 35 people. She is a rare woman to hold the job: one of only two women to have this position at a Parisian palace hotel. Head concierge Marine Leroux. courtesy of the Hotel Plaza Athenee 'I am a child of the Plaza. I was only 21 when I started. I've grown up here,' says Leroux, who finds inspiration in the property's 'personality and creativity.' The Plaza's personality is undeniable: With its signature red awnings and 1,900 geraniums cascading from its balconies, it's one of the most recognizable hotels in Paris. The property often collaborates with artisans and artists like Beyonce, who took over Le Bar to showcase her new whisky brand. In winter, its central courtyard restaurant, La Cour Jardin, is transformed into an ice-skating rink. While most rooms nod to Louis XVI style with silk upholstery and antique furniture, the seventh and eighth floors are Art Deco. Many rooms have windows and balconies overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The Dior Spa. courtesy of the Hotel Plaza Athenee The restaurants are also a big draw, from Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée (where Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert revives culinary traditions dating back centuries in an opulent dining room) to Le Relais Plaza (serving brasserie dishes in an Art Deco-style space). 'Of course, people are drawn to the Plaza for its beauty, but it's also the location,' says Leroux. 'Avenue Montaigne is peaceful but central. You can walk to the Eiffel Tower, the Seine or the Arc de Triomphe, but you're not in the middle of the chaos.' The Haute Couture Suite with a view of the Eiffel Tower. courtesy of the Hotel Plaza Athenee Here, Leroux shares a few of her favorite spots around the neighborhood. La Galerie Dior — Tucked behind the Dior flagship on Avenue Montaigne, this museum offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Christian Dior. 'You can learn about the history, but also see beautiful masterpieces—and take great pictures, which a lot of guests love,' says Leroux. And don't miss the cafe inside the flagship: 'They serve lots of pastries, and you can enjoy your tea. It's very nice, and it's a collaboration with our chef.' Henry Jacques Perfume Atelier — For a truly Parisian souvenir, Leroux recommends this exclusive fragrance house. 'They create bespoke scents of the highest quality—it's really like an haute couture creation,' she says. Arije — A hidden gem for jewelry and watches. 'It's a warm place where you feel comfortable, with a beautiful private salon that feels like a Parisian apartment overlooking the Golden Triangle,' says Leroux. Kith — For a different shopping experience, Leroux recommends Kith, a streetwear-meets-luxury concept store. 'It's three floors of sneakers, fashion and design—it's something different from the usual shopping in Paris,' she says. Crazy Horse — This legendary cabaret is just a few steps from the hotel. 'It's a small cabaret, very cozy, very surprising—with lots of modern choreography and collaborations with designers,' says Leroux. A view of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. getty The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has been at the heart of Paris's cultural life for more than a century. When it opened in 1913—the same year as the Plaza—he same year as the Hôtel Plaza Athénée—it was a sensation, not only for its bold concrete design (the first of its kind in Paris) but also for its audacious programming. "It's half a concert hall, half an opera house," Michel Franck, the longtime director of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, told me in an interview. "It's half Carnegie Hall, half the Met." Michel Franck, the longtime director of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Cyprien Tollet From the very beginning, the theater pushed artistic boundaries. It hosted the infamous 1913 premiere of The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky and Nijinsky, a performance so provocative that it sparked an onstage riot. "From one night to the next, we became famous all over the world," says Franck. Today, the building remains virtually unchanged, with a beautifully preserved Art Deco interior, and the spirit of experimentation continues—with a mix of concerts, operas, ballets and collaborations with artists across disciplines. For Franck, the magic of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées isn't just the historic setting—it's the human connection. 'A lot of artists prefer to come here because they know they'll feel at home,' says Franck. 'It's not just a venue, it's a house.' The interior of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Hartl-Meyer After 15 years at the helm, Franck is stepping down this year—his replacement, Baptiste Charroing's first season will begin in September 2025—but Franck's legacy will live on in the generations of artists he has championed and the enduring warmth he has cultivated. Here, Franck shares a few of his favorite places in and around the Golden Triangle. Hôtel Plaza Athénée - 'It's stunning hotel. A lot of people go here after the theater. The courtyard where you can eat during the summer is just fantastic. And you've got this corridor where you can have tea,' says Franck. Chez André - A classic Parisian institution just steps from the theater, Chez André has been serving traditional French cuisine since 1936. 'There are tourists, of course, but it's a very good brasserie with excellent French cooking,' says Franck, who recommends the fries, the blanquette de veau and the wine. Musée Guimet — Franck loves this Asian art museum for its extraordinary collections of Japanese prints and Chinese ceramics. Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris — Just beyond the Golden Triangle, this modern art museum is a hidden gem. 'The exhibitions are wonderful, and in summer, the terrace overlooking the Seine is fantastic,' says Franck. The exterior of the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris. courtesy of the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris Located just steps from Avenue Montaigne, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris offers a rate glimpse inside of the world of the legendary fashion designer. Housed in the historic atelier where Saint Laurent created his collections for nearly 30 years, the museum is both a time capsule and a creative incubator. Elsa Janssen, director of the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris courtesy of the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris 'Our role, with the museum's team is to take care of the Museum's amazing collection which includes notably 8000 haute couture pieces,' Elsa Janssen, the museum's director, told me in an interview. 'We also highlight this collection through temporary exhibitions at the Museum in Paris and other exhibitions all over the world in partnership with French and foreign institutions.' Visitors can tour Saint Laurent's original studio, with its books, sketches and personal objects. In addition to showcasing Saint Laurent's garments, drawings and accessories, the museum regularly invites contemporary artists to stage shows. 'The museum is both a venue steeped in history and a place for the future,' says Janssen. This summer, the museum's reach will expand to the south of France. From July 7 to October 6, the exhibition 'Yves Saint Laurent and Photography' will take place at La Mécanique Générale in Arles, showcasing original prints by icons like Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton, along with rare press archives, personal photographs and contact sheets. For Janssen, one of the great pleasures of the Golden Triangle is its cultural density. 'I love being surrounded by museums,' she says, pointing to the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, the Palais Galliera and the Palais de Tokyo as some of her favorites. Best restaurants: When she's not at the museum, you'll find Janssen relaxing at Forest (the restaurant at the Modern Art Museum) or at Les Petites Mains (the seasonal outdoor café at the Palais Galliera). Best shopping: For shopping, Janssen loves the Saint Laurent boutique on Avenue Montaigne and the Palais de Tokyo's bookshop, a trove of art books and quirky finds. Best hidden gem: And for a peaceful escape, she suggests this scenic walk. 'You can cross the Alma's bridge and have a walk in the Musée du Quai Branly's gardens,' says Janssen.
South China Morning Post
14-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
San Jose's Beau Leroux eyes US World Cup spot, but has thought about playing for China
With a Chinese mother, American father and a solid start to life in Major League Soccer under his belt, Beau Leroux could be forgiven for thinking about where his international loyalties might lie. Advertisement But while the San Jose Earthquakes midfielder said representing China had crossed his mind, his focus was firmly on earning a spot in the United States squad ahead of a home World Cup next year. It is a tournament his mother's home nation are struggling to qualify for, and despite naturalising Brazil-born midfielder Serginho in an attempt to boost their hopes, China are bottom of Group C with two matches to go. Floundering in their quest to end a 24-year wait to reach a World Cup, the Chinese team flopped at last year's AFC Asian Cup finals too, when they failed to score in three group matches. Still, there has been no contact between Leroux and football bosses on the mainland. Beau Leroux (back row, third from left) is quickly establishing himself in the San Jose team. 'Playing for China has been a thought of mine, but, right now, I'm trying to make the US roster,' Leroux said. 'The World Cup is always in my mind, but I'll see what the future holds for me.'
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Someone's starting to listen,' says Abenaki chief, applauding defeat of New Hampshire bill
The chief of the Abenaki of Odanak is celebrating a victory in his nation's campaign against state-recognized tribes in New England, many of which he says are illegitimate. In a news release, Rick O'Bomsawin says a New Hampshire bill — which lawmakers killed last month — would have given too much power to what he calls "self-proclaimed" Abenaki groups in Vermont. "I think someone's starting to listen," he said. The Abenaki of Odanak and W8linak say four Abenaki tribes recognized in Vermont are among those that are not really Abenaki, yet state law permits them to sell artwork, access funding for social programs and receive free hunting and fishing licences. Leaders in Quebec took identity fraud concerns to the United Nations last year. But more recently, Bill 161, titled "Changing the membership of the New Hampshire commission on Native American affairs," would have extended the groups' influence in New Hampshire, says O'Bomsawin. "I think New Hampshire was watching what's going on and saying, 'oh, before we get into this mess, let's stop this right in the beginning,'" he said. Odanak and W8linak, located near Trois-Rivières, Que., have historically clashed with groups in the U.S. regarding legitimacy. O'Bomsawin and some researchers contend that many of the Vermont-recognized Abenaki groups aren't Indigenous at all. Attempt to put in place state-recognized process Darryl Leroux says these New England groups have refused to do verification "that they're well able to do." An associate professor in the school of political studies at the University of Ottawa who has studied transformations in white identities and settler colonialism, Leroux found that the majority of members of the tribes had no Abenaki ancestry, but rather are descendants from French-Canadian immigrants. He published his findings in a peer-reviewed article "State Recognition and the Dangers of Race Shifting" in the American Indian Culture and Research Journal in 2023. The genealogy has not been independently verified by CBC News. "They've chosen to believe the family lore," said Leroux. "One's responsibility when it makes these types of claims is [at] the very least to verify the claims." He says states can establish their own process to recognize tribes, often for "political reasons." Currently, New Hampshire has no state recognition process. "This bill was trying to put [one] in place," said Leroux. The Odanak powow has been held for decades. Odanak and W8linak have long denounced Vermont's state-recognized tribes as self-identified Abenaki. (Kassandra Lebel/Radio-Canada ) To get U.S. federal status, groups, also known as tribes, must demonstrate compliance with seven mandatory criteria, including a continuous history as an American Indian entity since 1900. In 2005, one of the four Vermont-recognized groups, the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, failed to meet some criteria. Donald Stevens, chief of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation in Vermont, says his tribe hasn't felt the need to seek federal recognition. "It's not because we can't or don't want to," said Stevens, whose tribe is recognized in Vermont. "It costs a lot of money and a lot of time." Stevens supported Bill 161 in New Hampshire because he saw it as a means to help "consolidate," better represent interests and help set up ways to establish recognition processes in New Hampshire, if desired. He says every tribe has the right to determine their own citizenship and contests Leroux's findings. He says his family is "well documented as being Indian and being gypsies who travelled from place to place." "It's sad when people are trying to put out false narratives," he said. But many of these state-recognized groups would never qualify for federal recognition, says Kim TallBear, professor in the faculty of Native studies at the University of Alberta. "It is a very rigorous process," said TallBear, who is also the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience, and Society. 'A real serious form of theft' A citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in present day South Dakota, TallBear says state-recognition standards are "pretty appalling." She's among those saying something needs to change. "We're really advocating that states get out of the business of doing this," she says. "Leave this to nation-to-nation conversations, which are between tribal governments and the federal government." A delegation of Abenaki from Odanak, Wôlinak and the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador unveiled billboard sign New York during the 23rd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. (Marie-Laure Josselin / Radio-Canada) While TallBear says "pretendianism" can sometimes be put on the back burner, there's been recognition that it's a growing problem — as some groups misrepresent and overshadow history. "Those groups now are vying with recognized tribal groups for resources and recognition," she said. "I'm seeing the tide turning … we are making progress in terms of getting people to understand that this is a real serious form of theft." Chief in Odanak denounces exclusion Due to colonization and war, Abenaki were forced north of their homelands and settled in what is now Odanak and W8linak. Right now, O'Bomsawin says self-identified groups in the U.S. outnumber his community and live on the ancestral territory which stretches from southern Quebec to northern Massachusetts, spanning Vermont and New Hampshire. Despite its ties to the region, O'Bomsawin's community does not have a say over membership regulations or requirements of groups that bear its name and live in areas it considers traditional territory. "They never even contacted us on anything," said O'Bomsawin. "If you are truly, truly Abenaki, would you not want to fight to make sure no one is stealing your culture and your language? Would you not want to know who your family members are? That's all I'm trying to do," he said. What particularly hurts is not having recognition in the States, despite being federally recognized in Canada, he says. "Not only do you want to steal my identity … but you also want to steal my pain," said O'Bomsawin. "And that's really sad."
CBC
13-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'Someone's starting to listen,' says Abenaki chief, applauding defeat of New Hampshire bill
The chief of the Abenaki of Odanak is celebrating a victory in his nation's campaign against state-recognized tribes in New England, many of which he says are illegitimate. In a news release, Rick O'Bomsawin says a New Hampshire bill — which lawmakers killed last month — would have given too much power to what he calls "self-proclaimed" Abenaki groups in Vermont. "I think someone's starting to listen," he said. The Abenaki of Odanak and W8linak say four Abenaki tribes recognized in Vermont are among those that are not really Abenaki, yet state law permits them to sell artwork, access funding for social programs and receive free hunting and fishing licences. Leaders in Quebec took identity fraud concerns to the United Nations last year. But more recently, Bill 161, titled "Changing the membership of the New Hampshire commission on Native American affairs," would have extended the groups' influence in New Hampshire, says O'Bomsawin. "I think New Hampshire was watching what's going on and saying, 'oh, before we get into this mess, let's stop this right in the beginning,'" he said. Odanak and W8linak, located near Trois-Rivières, Que., have historically clashed with groups in the U.S. regarding legitimacy. O'Bomsawin and some researchers contend that many of the Vermont-recognized Abenaki groups aren't Indigenous at all. Attempt to put in place state-recognized process Darryl Leroux says these New England groups have refused to do verification "that they're well able to do." An associate professor in the school of political studies at the University of Ottawa who has studied transformations in white identities and settler colonialism, Leroux found that the majority of members of the tribes had no Abenaki ancestry, but rather are descendants from French-Canadian immigrants. He published his findings in a peer-reviewed article "State Recognition and the Dangers of Race Shifting" in the American Indian Culture and Research Journal in 2023. The genealogy has not been independently verified by CBC News. "They've chosen to believe the family lore," said Leroux. "One's responsibility when it makes these types of claims is [at] the very least to verify the claims." He says states can establish their own process to recognize tribes, often for "political reasons." Currently, New Hampshire has no state recognition process. "This bill was trying to put [one] in place," said Leroux. To get U.S. federal status, groups, also known as tribes, must demonstrate compliance with seven mandatory criteria, including a continuous history as an American Indian entity since 1900. In 2005, one of the four Vermont-recognized groups, the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, failed to meet some criteria. Donald Stevens, chief of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation in Vermont, says his tribe hasn't felt the need to seek federal recognition. "It's not because we can't or don't want to," said Stevens, whose tribe is recognized in Vermont. "It costs a lot of money and a lot of time." Stevens supported Bill 161 in New Hampshire because he saw it as a means to help "consolidate," better represent interests and help set up ways to establish recognition processes in New Hampshire, if desired. He says every tribe has the right to determine their own citizenship and contests Leroux's findings. He says his family is "well documented as being Indian and being gypsies who travelled from place to place." "It's sad when people are trying to put out false narratives," he said. But many of these state-recognized groups would never qualify for federal recognition, says Kim TallBear, professor in the faculty of Native studies at the University of Alberta. "It is a very rigorous process," said TallBear, who is also the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience, and Society. 'A real serious form of theft' A citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in present day South Dakota, TallBear says state-recognition standards are "pretty appalling." She's among those saying something needs to change. "We're really advocating that states get out of the business of doing this," she says. "Leave this to nation-to-nation conversations, which are between tribal governments and the federal government." While TallBear says "pretendianism" can sometimes be put on the back burner, there's been recognition that it's a growing problem — as some groups misrepresent and overshadow history. "Those groups now are vying with recognized tribal groups for resources and recognition," she said. "I'm seeing the tide turning … we are making progress in terms of getting people to understand that this is a real serious form of theft." Chief in Odanak denounces exclusion Due to colonization and war, Abenaki were forced north of their homelands and settled in what is now Odanak and W8linak. Right now, O'Bomsawin says self-identified groups in the U.S. outnumber his community and live on the ancestral territory which stretches from southern Quebec to northern Massachusetts, spanning Vermont and New Hampshire. Despite its ties to the region, O'Bomsawin's community does not have a say over membership regulations or requirements of groups that bear its name and live in areas it considers traditional territory. "They never even contacted us on anything," said O'Bomsawin. "If you are truly, truly Abenaki, would you not want to fight to make sure no one is stealing your culture and your language? Would you not want to know who your family members are? That's all I'm trying to do," he said. What particularly hurts is not having recognition in the States, despite being federally recognized in Canada, he says. "Not only do you want to steal my identity … but you also want to steal my pain," said O'Bomsawin. "And that's really sad."
